Letters to the Editor
nancerich
Published Letters: 554 Editor's Choice: 18
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Overrated Likeability
[Read the article: "Talk Talk"]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]In this post literate age, it isn't surprising to see on boards like this seeing an important writer like Boyle bashed for not doing a by the numbers thriller and still succeeding in creating a novel which is both engaging to the reader, while asking pithy questions about the nature of identity.
This book reminded me of the short work "Words for the Taking" which told the story of a poet's search for a plagiarist. The invasiveness of identity theft might seem like a big nothing to some, however Boyle creates a narrative where careful readers can identify with Dana and Bridger's quest, even as Peck wreaks havoc over random lives while reinventing his own.
The plastic nature of who we are, in these days of who we are on paper is just as valid as who we think we are inside is fascinating, and Boyle pulls no punches, in exploring his protagonists flaws and strengths. Dana is not a model deaf girl, but for those who don't require cardboard heroes, her complexity and inner life make her easy for thoughtful readers to identify with.
I can understand why someone like Boyle, who seems to make it all look easy would be an object of envy to lesser writers or virtual critics. But I enjoy him tremendously. His range is inspiring, and like those who who fail to appreciate the irony of little masterpieces, like "The Tortilla Curtain" he will ever by a cipher to those who don't appreciate the joys of paradox and ambiguity, forget about irony.
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Why is it that Lieberman apologists...
[Read the article: Did Joe Lieberman fly "too close to the sun"?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here] -
For those who are quick to excuse Mel Gibson
[Read the article: Mel on the cross]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]and forgive him for his years of transgressions....in the name of attacking "political correctness," let me just say this.
Mel has been a well-known asshole and anti-semite for years. Were it not for the fact that his films make so much money, he would be in the position of Michael Jackson....his career would be over.
Just because he plays into the predjudices and ignorance of Christianist Hate Groups, he gets a pass from the religious right and their authoritarian-loving minions.
Even so, Gibson isn't stupid. He is well aware that by playing nice, nice with the knuckle draggers, he is also has to be able to do business in Hollywood, and generate revenue with his product.
Gibson is an antisemite. Only he has to get rip roaring drunk in order to tell you what is at his core. That isn't the booze speaking, that is Mel, striped of his inhibitions letting you know who he is...a mean drunk...with a load of hate, which he learned at his father's knee.
Go ahead and excuse him. That only clears things up about where you stand, because anyone who after Mel's weekend revelations who thinks this guy is to be admired for his religious convictions (ha!)...or is admirable on the basis of his torture porn epic, disguised as a sop to the rubes....or his bullying and obnoxious antics are to be admired.....that tells me all I need to know about you.
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If one is going to be a nitpicker
[Read the article: What America doesn't understand]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]this is what Mencken actually said:
No one in this world has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people. Nor has anyone ever lost public office thereby.
H. L. Mencken
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/h/hlmencke134033.html
The other quote has long be attributed to Mencken...however if one is going to be pedantic about this kind of thing, might want to double check the research.
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No Answer
[Read the article: Say it, sister: "I had an abortion"]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]>I saw a documentary about medical students watching a late term abortion whereby the foetus - clearly recognisable as a human baby, is dismembered with a razor sharp instrument and taken out of the uterus in chunks.
Why are antiabortion people such liars?
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No Answer
[Read the article: Say it, sister: "I had an abortion"]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]If you are referring to the Channel Four Documentary, 'My Foetus' the abortion which was shown in that documentary occurred at FOUR WEEKS gestation.
According to information provided by the producers of that film addtional footage included
"an inspection of aborted foetal remains of a seven-week pregnancy and images of a 10, 11 and 21 week aborted foetus."
As you will never personally have to make this decision for yourself..or have your life ruined by an unwanted pregnancy, you are not in the position to make these choices for other people.
No more than I am a position to tell you how to life your life.
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As a fan of the Dexter books
[Read the article: So many dramas, too little DVR space]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]I am very happy to see this original premise brought to TV.
Like Blocker's "Hitman" series, Dexter is a guy with a unique, almost moral outlook on life. He is a psychopath, well aware he is different from most of his fellow humans, but with a mission his cop foster father instilled in him: he only kills people who hurt or kill children.
Also, he is a very funny guy.